Like many of us living in this challenging era, I find myself having to start from scratch in terms of finding replacement work. I lost clients during Covid and am hindered by a disability. I’ve also been working on several projects, but they have yet to come to fruition.

But worrying only strips us of peace. It is an empty, yet bulky emotion to further burden our minds with. It also depletes our souls of valuable energy, motivation, and self-belief.

We have to make a conscious effort to override our concerns in order to keep our incredible human mind in control of our wayward emotions. Here are some of my tips:

  1. When I find my anxiety peaking, I get outside, nature is immensely calming. Go for a run/walk/stroll. Even sitting quietly on a bench will help to clear your head.
  2. I breathe properly, deep breathing exercises are incredibly important, such as box breathing which is what the American navy or SEALS practice. Imagine a box or square, and to the count of four, inhale, and then exhale in four sets. Don’t dip into this occasionally, I do it lots throughout the day.
  3. Ensure you get 7-8 hours of sleep per night. If mine gets broken, then I either rest the following day, sleep–in, or go to bed earlier.
  4. I eat plenty of fruit and vegetables. Roast a tray of vegetables at the beginning of the week, cool and refrigerate then serve with tofu/chicken/fish or cheese toppings
  5. I eat oats and frankly in any form: Porridge/flapjacks/protein bars. They are cheap and essential to the diet. These smaller sweet things are great to grab mid-morning if my anxiety has prevented me from fancying breakfast.
  6. My positive affirmation is: I am lucky to have human intellect and this is my safety- net
  7. Exercise fifteen minutes per day, or 2 ½ hours per week (source: Ruth my nurse). I am hindered by permanent physical pain, and by 4 pm I struggle to walk. Nonetheless, I’m immensely grateful that I can walk – hence my motivation.
  8. I am midst noting the professional skills I’m good at sales/marketing / PR / copy-writing
  9. I am midst making a mind-bubble (names of people I know professionally but names circled and fun exercise) who I could approach for freelance work.
  10.  I am reminding myself of any historic professional compliments and siphoning off the energy to use in real-time